DIY Print head recovery system - Epson DX4 / DX5 heads, etc.

I've seen a few print head recovery systems out there priced from $1000 to several thousand dollars. After studying photos of them, they seem to be of pretty basic construction using readily available components like ultrasonic cleaners, solvent pumps, pressure regulators, etc. So I thought I would start a thread here for like-minded "makers" who might want to adventure down the path of creating a more economical version of one of these.

*haven't found a good candidate for this yet (maybe something like this?) but I'm not sure if a gasoline pressure regulator would be "solvent friendly", there is probably a better option for this component out there. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

A cheap electronically adjustable regulator would be awesome if possible. Coupling this with the logic controller, would allow to create automatic cleaning routines

Something adjustable closer to the range we would want (maybe 0-30psi?) would be better than 0-140psi found on these automotive fuel pumps anyway.

Air / Ink filters to prevent gunk that's unclogged from recirculating back into the cleaning solution

I suppose you could use some sort of timer chip (?) plus some switches to control power to 2 of the HY-* inkpumps?

Or even an arduino board, rasberry pi or similar if you wanted to get fancy -- but probably way overkill. I could see using rasberry pi for the ease of programming (e.g. if you didn't know your way around purpose specific electronic components.

Something that would be REALLY cool would be a way to measure the fluid flow rate (and monitor changes towards it)... that would give you feedback towards % improved.

Solvent friendly tubing & connectors to make all the needed connections

I suppose first I would have to believe it is even possible to restore a solvent head to an acceptable level using any machine - Tried to clean the heads on my first printer when I was pretty gullible and naive, now believe it is just better to pay for the new head. Just my 2c

If we're talking about DX4 & DX5 heads using eco-solv inks, I think the idea of a head cleaning machine is a waste. Why? In my experience, eco-solv inks are very forgiving and not at all as harsh as mild solvent or full solvent inksets. I've personally never done a DX4, but I've recovered a DX5 (more difficult) that was only shooting about 10% of it's nozzles when I bought it and got it back to around 97% and still running fine today. (This is after it had been sitting for over a month and the previous owner had no idea how to properly care for an eco-solv printer). All it takes is a little common sense and a lot of patience.

If you're talking about trying to recover a head that's been sitting for like 6 months or more, then I feel at that point you should already know a new head is probably in order, but I would still say there would be no harm in trying.

If we're talking about DX4 & DX5 heads using eco-solv inks, I think the idea of a head cleaning machine is a waste. Why? In my experience, eco-solv inks are very forgiving and not at all as harsh as mild solvent or full solvent inksets. I've personally never done a DX4, but I've recovered a DX5 (more difficult) that was only shooting about 10% of it's nozzles when I bought it and got it back to around 97% and still running fine today. (This is after it had been sitting for over a month and the previous owner had no idea how to properly care for an eco-solv printer). All it takes is a little common sense and a lot of patience.

If you're talking about trying to recover a head that's been sitting for like 6 months or more, then I feel at that point you should already know a new head is probably in order, but I would still say there would be no harm in trying.

There are NUMEROUS threads that you can find with a little searching.
IF you can't use the search feature here on signs 101, you probably won't be able to follow the detailed instructions for correctly restoring a clogged head. The process has been revealed in several good blog entrees. The heads are VERY DELICATE, and require hand eye coordination as well as deft control of every phase of the process.
PROCEED WITH CAUTION!

I have done it several times and am still using my original printhead after over 4+ years.

I don't like to read this response to a question. If they are so easy find why not just link to the threads instead of a backhander?

Click to expand...

Perhaps for the same reason that I don't still provide basic instructions to my grown children how to find food.

At some point we all need to work for the rewards of being in business. The rewards of hard work are better enjoyed after a reasonable attempt at SELF instruction. The greatest instruction comes from SELF reliance on ones own ability to RESEARCH and follow the appropriate found instruction.

Hmm, I'm trying to follow your thread and wondering if there is more going on than just clogged nozzles?

The SS21 ink is a little hotter than eco solvent, and therefore can be a bit more challenging to clean. I would continue soaking the head, trying to gently flush solvent through it with a syringe and keep doing cleaning cycles with the printer. *NOTE - you will want to be certain all your drain lines are clear, you have a good tight seal on your capping station and that your pump is working correctly. WIthout that the pump will not be able to pull the plugs from the nozzles.

**Realize, sometimes it takes days of hard work and effort to clear a head. I know I had nearly a week of soaking, cleaning, soaking, cleaning, etc. before I got my DX5 back to where it needed to be.

Hmm, I'm trying to follow your thread and wondering if there is more going on than just clogged nozzles?

The SS21 ink is a little hotter than eco solvent, and therefore can be a bit more challenging to clean. I would continue soaking the head, trying to gently flush solvent through it with a syringe and keep doing cleaning cycles with the printer. *NOTE - you will want to be certain all your drain lines are clear, you have a good tight seal on your capping station and that your pump is working correctly. WIthout that the pump will not be able to pull the plugs from the nozzles.

**Realize, sometimes it takes days of hard work and effort to clear a head. I know I had nearly a week of soaking, cleaning, soaking, cleaning, etc. before I got my DX5 back to where it needed to be.

Click to expand...

Good news i recovered 90% of firing ..
i Will continue with soaking / flushing and air purge ..
i changed pump 3 months ago ...
its really hard to recover...

Could you give us a CLEAR detailed report as to what you have done up to this point? STEP BY STEP

Many times you will find help here , BUT, you must stay on track with each issue handled SEPARATELY. Otherwise we start chasing different issues without moving through your situation in a STEP BY STEP manner.

Think abut it this way. If you had a Mimaki Tech in your shop working on this situation he would go through a thorough check list and verify each step, eliminated issues as he goes.
If you are jumping around, trying to fix numerous issues at the same time, no one here will be able to follow your position. Therefore you may be getting incorrect help.

If you help us clearly understand how you got to where you are, THEN we can start and hopefully get you back to running your printer correctly.

Could you give us a CLEAR detailed report as to what you have done up to this point? STEP BY STEP

Many times you will find help here , BUT, you must stay on track with each issue handled SEPARATELY. Otherwise we start chasing different issues without moving through your situation in a STEP BY STEP manner.

Think abut it this way. If you had a Mimaki Tech in your shop working on this situation he would go through a thorough check list and verify each step, eliminated issues as he goes.
If you are jumping around, trying to fix numerous issues at the same time, no one here will be able to follow your position. Therefore you may be getting incorrect help.

If you help us clearly understand how you got to where you are, THEN we can start and hopefully get you back to running your printer correctly.

I read through that thread several days ago, which is why I wrote the last reply to you.

By looking at problems such as yours in a specific chronological manner it helps everyone to follow along. It also generally lets others who may experience similar issues to see how to work through a problem.

At this time {if I understand correctly] you have corrected ALL your electrical issues? YES or NO.

If that is correct it is time to systematically work through getting your print head working to full capacity.

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